Conveyer and driving-motor construction



April 22, 1930. J. J. MOJONNIYER CONVEYER AND pnxvme MOTOR CONSTRUCTION ori inal Filed May 1'7. 192s 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

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CONVEYER AND DRIVING MOTOR CONSTRUCTION Original Filed May 17, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 m m M.

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WAVE? "m/ A MW 1. awn/J 1mm Patented Apr. 22, 1930 PATENT JULIUS J'. MOJONNIER, OF OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO MOJ'ONNIER BROS. 00., A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS CONVEYER AND DRIVING-MOTOR CONSTRUCTI ON Original application filed May 17, 1926, Serial No. 109,728. Divided and this application filed. April 10,

' 1529. Serial I The present invention relates to conveyer and driving motor constructlons capable of varied use but intended more particularly for use in creameries, ice cream factories and like places where commodities, especially commodities in milk cans or like containers, are conveyed from point to point principally horizontally or practically so.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a supporting frame for the sheaves and conveying belt in association with a novel gearing; frame which may beset either 7 side up so as to adapt the same for use either on the right hand or left hand side of the supporting frame. By this construction the conveyer may be more advantageously located in all the varyingv conditions encountered in practice.

This and other features and advantages of the invention will be best understood upon reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the ,accompanying drawings while the scope of the invention will be particularly pointed out'in the appended claims. a

The present case is a division of my prior application Serial No. 109,728, filed May 17 1926, issued as Patent No. 1,714,721, dated May 28, 1929, wherein my novel sheave and link structure are claime I Referring to said drawings, Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a conveyer and driving motor construction arranged in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 isa plan view of a portion of the same, illustrating more particularly the relative positions ofthe motor, gearing and driving sheaves; Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the novel construction viewed from the motor end; and Fig. 4 is a horizontal section through the gearing by which the speed of the motor is properly reduced to that required for the driving of the conveyer. Throughout these views like characters refer to like'parts.

Referring to the drawings in detail, A designates the conveyer frame, B the belts, G the driving sheaves, D the driven sheaves, t the enclosed reduction gearing, and-F the driving motor.

The frame A consists of two side members 20, 21, which are connected at intervals to the tops of posts 22, 23, the posts 22 being connected to the member 20 and the posts 23 to the member 21. These several posts are pro-' vided with adjustable feet 24 which are held in adjusted position by bolts 25 passing through slots in the foot members and into engagement with threaded openings in the posts. By tightening the bolts 25 the feet 24 may be held in desired adjusted positions. Obviously the feet and legs may be adjustably connected in other ways. The way illustrated is merely typical. By adjusting the feet 2-'the conveyer frame A may be properly lined up. It is often found in practice that the floor upon which the conveyer is to rest is uneven. The adjustabilit-y of the feet enables the structure to be properly set up notwithstanding irregularity in the surface of the floor.

The frame A is intended to carry the sheaves C and D and the conveyer belts B. In order to support the latter 1 preferably locate between the sheaves supporting members which serve as guide-ways for the belts. In the simplest form of the invention these guide-ways take the form of channel bars 26,

27, the bars 26 supporting the upper stretch of the belts and the bars 27 the lower stretch. In order to support the channel bars 26 and 27 T preferably connect companion posts 22, 28, by transverse members 28, 29, which are preferably angle bars. These transverse members are properly secured to the posts 22, 23, and the channel bars 26, 27, in any suitable way, as by spot welding. It may be desirable where the longitudinal distances between posts is considerable, to provide auX- iliary means for supporting the guide-ways, especially guide-ways 26 associated with the upper stretches of the belts which are those upon which the packages or containers are conveyed. For this purpose I preferably employ hangers 30 of U-shaped outline which have their upper ends suitably secured to the longitudinal members 20, 21 and carry the guide members 26 upon their middle horiwith the driving sheaves C. This gearing is mounted in a rectangular frame 31 which embraces four of the legs or supports 22, 23 at the driving end of the frame. Viewed from above, the frame 31 is divided at or near its center by a longitudinal member 32. The portion of the frame on one side of the member 32 embraces the legs of frame A and the portion supports the gearing which is enclosed by the frame 31 and the casings 33, 34. The latter are provided with openings closed by plugs 35, 36. As illustrated more particularly in Fig. 3 the structure including the frame 31 and casings 33 and 34 is symmetrical on opposite sides of a central horizontal plane. Because of this fact it is possible to position the gearing E with the casings 33 and 34 to the left of the frame A as-viewed in 3 or to the right of the frame A. In the latter case the frame 31 might be rotated 180 degrees horizontally from the position of Fig. 2 into its position at the right of the frame A or it might be inverted to shift it from its position at the left to its position at the right. This construction therefore permits the frame A and gearing E to be variously positioned according to the requirements met in different installations.

It will be obvious that the portion of the rectangular frame 31 which embraces the legs 22 and 23 of frame A will be suitably secured to the latter by riveting or otherwise, so as to maintain the frame 31 at a proper elevation. The opposite end of the frame 31, namely that nearest the motor F, is supported by an angular frame member 37 which is secured at one end to the frame 31, and at the other it rests upon a suitable support 38. The member 37 serves as a base for the electric motor F. The latter has its shaft 39 coupled to the driving shaft 40of the gearing E by a coupling 41. The openings closed by plugs 35 and 36 serve as oil holes for supplying lubricating oil to the gearing and draining the same therefrom. In the position illustrated in Fig. 3 the plug 35 closes the supply opening and the plug 36 closes the drain opening. If the frame 31 were in inverted position then the openings would serve the reverse functions, that is to say,

plug 36 would close the oil supply opening and plug 35 would close thevdrain opening.

The sheaves C are mounted upon the driven shaft 42 of the gearing E, being keyed or otherwise fixed to the same. The reduction gearing by which the'speeds of the motor shaft 39 and driven shaft 40 are reduced to meet the requirements of the sheaves C is illustrated more particularly in Fig. 4. As there shown, the shafts 40 and 42 are in longitudinal alignment and the end of the shaft 40 is j ournaled in a bore formed in the end of the shaft 42. Both shafts40 and 42 are journaled in bearings in the gearing frame 31.

on the other side of the member 32v A counter shaft 43 is also journaled in the same frame and lies in the same horizontal plane as the shafts 40 and 42. A pinion 44 is keyed to shaft 40 and drives a gear wheel 45 keyed to the sleeve of a pinion 46 loosely journaled upon a reduced portion of the counter shaft 43. The pinion 46 drives a gear wheel 47 keyed to the sleeve of a pinion 48 journaled loosely upon a portion of the driving shaft 40, and the pinion 48 in turn drives a gear wheel 49 keyed to the sleeve of a pinion 50 loosely journaled upon the counter shaft 43. The pinion 5O drives a gear wheel 51 keyed to the driven shaft 42 upon which the driving sheaves C are fixed. It will be apparent that other arrangements of gearing might be employed to bring about the required speed reduction. The particular arrangement is merely typical. Obviously the entire gearing within the frame 31 and casings 33 and 34 may work in a bath of oil or other lubricant.

The belts B which travel over the sheaves C and D are composed of solid metal links. Each link 52 is provided with a tongue 53 at one end and a slot 53 at the other end. The tongue of one link enters the slot of the next and a pivot pin 54 connects the two links together, the pin passing through an opening in the tongue 53 and through openings in the bifurcated arms on the opposite sides of the slot 53 The upper face of each link is curved transversely, as illustrated in Fig. 3, and thus forms a long, narrow contact zone with which the bottom flange of the can, which is commonly employed upon conveyers of this kind, engages. As clearly shown, each link is provided on its inner side with a re-entrant tooth space 59 which is adapted to cooperate with teeth 60 upon the sheaves over which it travels. This tooth space is preferably located at or near the center of the link 52 and preferably extends throughout the entire width of the link. It is also preferable that other portions of the same side of the link are cut away, as shown, to make the link lighter.

The sprocket wheels or sheaves have their teeth 60 located at the centers of polygonal faces which form the bottom of the groove between the rims or flanges 66 of the sheave. The polygonal faces 65 are of a length such as to suit the length between adjacent pivots 54 of the link belt B. Consequently as the sheave C is driven it draws upon the upper stretch of the belt B and the latter carries forward the load placed upon ,it. When it comes to the driven sheave D the teeth 60 upon it and the polygonal faces 65 cooperate with the tooth space 59 and the link 52 in the same way.

' As'clearly shown, the guide-ways preferably extend throughout the greater portion of the distance between the sheaves C and D, although this arrangement might be Vamesnaledin boxes 68 adapted, respectively, to. travel longitudinally between guides 69 in an end frame 70 provided with legs 71 upon which are adjustable feet 72 of the same construction as feet 24, previously described. The boxes68 are adjustable by means of screws 73 passing through threaded openings in fixed portions 741-of the frame 70.- In the drawing only one screw 73' with associated parts, is illustrated but it will be understood that two such screws and associated parts, will be employed.

The various members of the frame'A are preferably composed of rolled metal in the form of angle and channel bars which adapt themselves readily to such construction. The link belts B may be made of'malleable iron.

I The frame 31 and casin sg iand 34 are ordinarily iron castings. The other parts are of usual material and construction. Since the conveyers are intended for use in creameries, ice cream-factories and like places, where there is a great deal of humidity present in the air, the various parts: of the frame, the chain links,t'he sheaves and other parts are preferably galvanized or otherwise treated to resist the corrosive action of the surround ing' atmosphere.

It will be apparent that in carrying out my invention many alterations and modifications of the construction shown may be made without departing from my invention. It will also be apparent that the conveyers may be adapted for use in handling other commodities and articles than the ones heretofore mentioned. I therefore do not wish to be limited to the exact matters disclosed either by Way of construction or, usebut' aim to cover by the terms of the appended claims all such alternations, modifications and uses as rightlycome within the scope of my invention.

V] hat I claim as new and desire to secure by a patent of the United States is:

1. A conveyer and driving motor construction comprising a long conveyer frame having vertical posts located at intervals along its sides, longitudinal side members connecting said posts oneach side of the frame and transverse members uniting the posts and side members; sheavesat opposite ends of said conveyer frame; a metal linlebelt around said sheaves; a rectangular gear frame at one end of said conveyer frame positioned midway of the height-of said conveyer frame in a horizontal plane and adapted to be installed either side up, said gear frame having a central member adapted to extend longitudinally of said conveyer frame no matter which side of the gear frame is uppermost, said member dividing said gear frame into two parts, one of said parts being open and containing one of said sheaves and the other of said parts beinr enclosed to form a casing, the open part being in line with said conveyer frame no matter which side ofsaid gear frame is uppermost, and the enclosed part being laterally offset therefrom in both cases; a shaft for theenclosed sheave extending transversely and having hearings in the longitudinally extending parts of said gear frame and in said central member; a motor shaft extending into said gear frame casing; gearing in said casing for conveying power from said motor shaft to said sheave shaft, said gearing comprising cooperating shafts and gear wheels; a motor coupled to said motor shaft outside of said casing; and a support for said motor and the. offset-enclosed part of said gear frame to which the latter may be connected either side up; 7

2. A conveyer and driving motor construction comprising an elongated conveyer frame; sheaves in said frame; a metal link belt actuated and guided by said sheaves; a

rectangular gear frame at one end of said conveyer frame positioned midway of the height of said conveyer frame in a horizontal plane and adapted to be installed eith r side up, said gear frame having a central member adapted to extend longitudinally of said conveyer frame no matter which side of the gear frame is uppermost, said member dividing said gear frame into two parts, one of said parts being open and enclosinga driving sheave of said belt and the otherof said parts being enclosed to form a casing, the open part being in line with said conveyer frame no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost, and the enclosed part being laterally offset therefrom in both cases; a shaft for said driving sheave extending transversely and having bearings in the longitudinally extending parts of said gear frame and in said central member; a driving shaft extend,- ing into said gear frame casing; and gearing in said casing for conveying power from said driving shaft to said driving sheave shaft, said gearing comprising cooperating shafts and gear wheels.

3; A conveyer and driving motor construcs tion comprising a horizontal conveyer frame; a rectangular gear frame at one end ofsaid conveyer frame positioned. midway of the height of said'conveyer frame in a horizontal" plane and adapted to be secured to said conveyer framev either side up, said gear frame having a central member in said horizontal plane adapted to extend longitudinally of said conveyer frame no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost, said member dividing said gear frame into two parts, one of said parts providing a rectangular open space and the other of said parts being enclosed to form a casing, the open part being in line with said conveyer frame no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost, the enclosed part being laterally offset therefrom in both cases and extending sub stantially equal distances above and below the said horizontal plane in which said gear frame is positioned; a horizontal conveyer shaft in the open space of said gear frame and having bearings in longitudinally extending parts of said gear frame and in said central member; a conveyer driving element on said conveyer shaft; a driving shaft extending into said gear frame casing; and gearing including cooperating shafts and gear wheels 1n said casing for conveying power from said driving shaft to said horizontal conveyer shaft.

t. A conveyer and driving motor construction including vertical supports at one end of the conveyer extending upward from a floor; a rectangular gear frame secured to said supports midway of their height in a horizontal planeiand adapted to be secured to said supports either side up, said gear frame having a central member in said horizontal plane adapted to extend in the same direction no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost, said member dividing said gear frame into two parts, one of said parts providing a rectangular open space within the outline formed by said vertical supports no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost and the other part beingenclosed to form a casing and being offset laterally from the space enclosed by said supports; a horizontal shaft in the open space of said gear frame and having bearings in said central member and the gear frame members extending in the. same general direction as said central member; a conveyer driving element secured to said horizontal shaft; a driving shaft extending into said gear frame casing; and gearing including cooperating gear wheels and shafts in said casing for transmitting power from said driving shaft to said horizontal shaft. r 5. A conveyer and driving motor construc tion including vertical supports at one end of the conveyer extending upward from a floor; a rectangular gear frame secured to said supports midway of their height in a horizontal plane and adapted to be secured to said supports either sideup, said gear frame having a central member in said horizontal plane adapted to extend in the same direction no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost, sald member dlvldmg said gear frame into two parts, one of said parts providing a rectangular open space within the outline formed by said vertical supports no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost and the other part being enclosed to form a casing and being offset laterally from the space enclosed by said supports and said casing extending substantially equal distances above and below the said horizontal plane in which said gear frame is located no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost; a horizontal shaft in the open space of said gear frame and having bearings in said central member and the gear frame members extending in the same general direction as said central member; a conveyer driving element secured to said horizontal shaft; a driving shaft extending into said gear frame casing; and gearing including cooperating gear wheels and shafts in said casing for transmitting power from said driving shaft to said horizontal shaft.

6Q In a construction of the class described, vertical supports; a rectangular gear frame adapted to be secured either side up to said supports in a horizontal plane, said gear a frame having a central dividing member in said horizontal plane which divides said gear frame into two parts, one of said parts proiding a rectangular open space about the boundary of which said supports are located no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost and the other of said parts being enclosed to form a gear. casing offset from said supports, said gear casing extending both above and below the horizontal plane of said gear frame; a horizontal shaft in the open space in said gear frame and having bearings in said central member and the gear frame; a rotary element secured to said horizontal shaft; a driving shaft entering said gear casing; and gearing including cooperating gear wheels and shafts in said gear casing for transmitting power from said driving shaft to said horizontal shaft.

7. In a construction of the class described, vertical supports; a rectangular gear frame adapted to be secured either side up to said supports in a horizontal plane, said gear frame having a central dividing member in said plane which divides said gear frame into two parts, one of said parts providing a rectangular open space about the boundary of which said supports are located no matter which side of said gear frame is uppermost and the other of said parts being enclosedto form a gear casing displaced from said supports, said gear casing extending both above and below the horizontal plane of said gear frame; a horizontal shaft in the open space in said gear frame having hearings in said frame and central member and extending toward and into said gear casing; a driving shaft entering said casing from the opposite side; and

gearing including cooperating gear Wheels and 'shafting in sald casing to transmit power from said driving shaft to said horizontal shaft.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 8th day of April, A. D. 1929 JULIUS J. MOJONNIER. 

